Choose the Right Production Strategy: To Use a Configurator or Not?

In manufacturing, many companies offer products that are tailored to their customers’ specific needs. These customized products are often assembled using various production methods, such as:

• Design to order
• Configure to order
• Assemble to order
• Make to order

In today’s production chains, these methods are frequently combined. Even companies that keep the same products in stock may use one of these methods for certain parts of their production process.

What is a Product Configurator?

Oracle JD Edwards ERPA Product Configurator can be a valuable tool here. The Product Configurator in JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is a tool that simplifies the production process. By setting up a matrix of all product attributes, it creates a questionnaire that helps select the correct product options. This way, the entire production process (Bill of Material and Routing) is immediately prepared for purchasing and production.

Advantages of the Product Configurator

More and more companies find the Product Configurator indispensable in their ERP system. It prevents errors (such as combining incompatible options) and provides insight into costs, availability, and production time. The configurator can also be used later for after-sales, such as ordering replacement parts.

Is the Configurator Useful for Every Company?

Not every company benefits from a Product Configurator. Its value depends on how products are made. If a company operates based on a fixed product design, a configurator can add extra value. Companies that primarily provide custom work may find that 3D modeling tools better align with their processes.